Wildlife management areas near Alma, Nebraska provide free dispersed camping opportunities for travelers seeking economical overnight options along I-80. Most WMAs in this region permit 3-night stays and occupy flat terrain at approximately 2,000 feet elevation. Seasonal weather varies significantly, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter lows dropping below freezing, affecting site conditions and accessibility.
What to do
Fishing at Blue Hole WMA: The small fishing pond attracts local anglers. One visitor mentioned, "There is a boat launching spot and a small trail to lead to the lake," though noted they couldn't fully explore due to rain.
Hiking nearby trails: Some management areas connect to recreational paths. At Bassway Strip, visitors can "use the beautiful, paved and lit hiking trail," according to one camper, though they noted the interstate noise remains a factor.
Wildlife observation: Wildlife sightings vary by season. A camper at Blue Hole noted seeing "some trash in the woods and a few carcasses," indicating hunting activity in the area. Bassway Strip campers frequently observe fireflies during summer evenings, with one visitor reporting, "The fireflies were awesome, even in the rain!"
What campers like
Budget-friendly location: These free camping areas near Alma serve as convenient overnight stops. A Bassway Strip visitor appreciated finding "a great spot in a pinch with very few people there," despite noting mosquito problems in July.
Convenience for travelers: The proximity to Interstate 80 makes these locations practical for road-trippers. One camper at Bassway Strip described it as a "convenient gravel lot off 80" that's "good for pulling off into while on a road trip," and noted it was empty "on a busy travel Saturday when the rest stops were busy."
Fishing access: Multiple WMAs provide fishing opportunities. At Coot Shallows, a visitor described "a small park with a pond that you can fish at," making it suitable for those wanting to combine overnight stays with recreational activities.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Interstate proximity creates consistent traffic sounds. A Blue Hole visitor remarked, "There's a decent amount of road noise from the interstate," while another described finding the area "a bit trashed, but not horrible" with "constant sound of the interstate."
Limited facilities: These areas provide minimal amenities. At Coot Shallows, a camper observed there are "3 pull outs that you can put in an RV or camper but not much else to this place," confirming the primitive nature of these sites.
Safety considerations: Some locations have reported concerning encounters. A Blue Hole camper described a troubling early morning experience: "Around 4:30 AM a car pulled in quietly and parked right next to our van...A guy was outside smoking and putting some things in a bag. We started up the RV and dipped as fast as we could."
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Summer brings significant insect activity. A Bassway Strip visitor warned that "mosquitos were bad, at least in late July," suggesting families bring appropriate repellents and protective gear.
Site selection: Choose locations with adequate space for family setups. Blue Hole WMA has limited parking with "two spots to park and a cul-de-sac at the end of the road. One of the spots was slanted and the other spot was flat, neither were good for large campers."
Weather planning: Central Nebraska experiences rapid weather changes. One Bassway camper described camping "on a rainy night when we didnt want to pay the out of state fees for a campground," suggesting flexibility with travel plans and appropriate rain gear for families.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Some areas have weight restrictions. At Bassway Strip, an RVer noted, "Cross a bridge to get there - dual axel limit 10 Tons. Trailer limit 23 Tons," crucial information for larger rigs.
Limited parking: Space constraints affect larger vehicles. A Blue Hole visitor cautioned, "You could park in the cul-de-sac but it is a smaller circle," indicating potential challenges for larger RVs.
Duration limits: Most wildlife management areas enforce stay restrictions. An RVer at Bassway Strip confirmed it's a "great overnight spot" with a "max of 3 days in 6 day period," making it suitable for short stops rather than extended camping.
